Aligning audio and video in screencasting

Before we dive into cutting our footage and preparing the screencast for various screens, we need to ensure our audio is perfectly aligned with the video. Whether viewers watch on the big screen or their phones, audio-sync precision is crucial.

Handling audio and video alignment issues

When recording audio through software like ScreenFlow, the video might be slightly delayed relative to the audio. This isn't always an easy fix, and though we've explored multiple solutions, it remains unresolved. The delay might stem from software or hardware issues, perhaps related to Macs creating a virtual camera with Elgato Cam Link.

Fixing delays in post-production

For now, the best approach is to rectify this in post-production. This is a common scenario in editing, as footage seldom arrives perfect. To tackle this, we'll use a powerful editor like Premiere, which allows us to make precise adjustments.

Steps to correct alignment

Start by selecting the audio and video together. Premiere links them by default, ensuring synchronized dragging and preventing chaos during edits. You can unlink these tracks by right-clicking and selecting 'Unlink'. However, a temporary unlinking can be done by holding the 'Option' key and selecting the audio, allowing independent movement.

After selecting only the audio track, slight adjustments can be made. Use keyboard shortcuts like 'Command + Right Arrow' for three or four frames adjustment. Re-watch the footage after adjustment to ensure correct syncing.

Achieving perfect synchronization

Using Premiere's indicators, you can view how displaced the audio is from its video track. With a bit of trial and error, accompanied by experience, you typically find the right frame shift to achieve synchronization. Usually, moving the audio forward by about three frames works well.

Embrace the editing process

Despite the lack of an immediate solution to the syncing problem, we adapt and refine our techniques. This demonstrates an essential part of editing - working with the constraints presented to you. Now, we're ready to apply cuts and finalize the screencast.